Opponents

"Videl, are you alright?!"

Son Gohan immediately flew over and, seeing Videl crouching in the corner, looking dejected, asked with concern.

"This is so discouraging! I can't even last a few moves against Rose now. We've both opened up our Lower Dantian, so why is she so much stronger than me?"

Videl's eyes lost their sparkle as she leaned against Son Gohan. She knew she was no match for Rose, and she knew Rose's talent was immense, but she couldn't accept being so far behind! She was destined to inherit the Spirit Immortal School's mantle, and Rose was only six years old.

Son Gohan smiled awkwardly, unsure how to comfort Videl. He estimated that Rose's current strength was above Super Saiyan Full Power but below Super Saiyan 2!

Videl gently patted her cheeks to perk herself up, forcing a smile as she got up from Son Gohan. "Gohan," she said, "The match is about to start. Don't let your guard down just because you're strong. Uncle Goku and Master are all seasoned veterans."

"Okay, Videl, I'll head over now!"

Seeing that Videl had emerged from the shadows, Son Gohan smiled and returned to the rest room.

In the rest room, all eight fighters were present: Son Wuling, Son Goku, Vegeta, Broly, Rose, Shin, Kibito, and Son Gohan, who had just returned.

The host, Kim, was wearing a suit, had grown a small mustache, and looked slightly older. He was also wearing sunglasses.

"Goku, Wuling, it really is you? That's wonderful!"

"Haven't seen you for a long time!"

Son Wuling and Son Goku greeted each other with smiles. The two, the hosts of the World Martial Arts Tournament, were quite familiar with each other. At this moment, the host, Jin, really looked like he had been through a lot!

"It's so great that you could come back and participate!"

The host, Jin, turned to Son Wuling Son Goku said with a smile, "The current World Martial Arts Tournament is so boring. I really wish I could see the vibrant and diverse style of your time."

"But will you be able to clearly see our fighting movements? How are you going to explain that?"

Son Wuling joked with a smile!

The host adjusted his sunglasses and chuckled, "This time we've made ample preparations, with twelve state-of-the-art high-speed cameras, and we've also added a new rule: flying is not allowed."

"Um!"

Even Vegeta, Rose, Broly were staring at the host, Kim! Clearly, this rule against flying was specifically designed to target them.

The host, Mr. Jin, quickly explained, "Please forgive us for the rule we set. The reason why the World Martial Arts Tournament become so famous and entered the public eye is inseparable from the support of the masses. So, we apologize."

"It's alright, hehe... Wuling, Vegeta, Broly, this is even better, none of us can fly when we're fighting, how about that!"

Son Goku didn't care at all; on the contrary, he found it somewhat challenging. If he couldn't fly, the only place for the battle was the arena, which increased the difficulty by more than half.

"Great! Kakarot!"

Vegeta sneered, "Don't even think about flying then, I'm taking this championship by storm."

Son Wuling smiled and helped Rose tidy her hair. He half-squatted down to be the same height as Rose at that moment, and said with a smile, "Rose, you can't fly in the next competition, okay!"

"Of course, no problem. But Dad, Uncle Goku, Uncle Vegeta, Brother Gohan, Uncle Broly, I have something to tell you."

Rose looked as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Oh, what's wrong? Do you need to go to the restroom?"

Son Wuling asked.

"No, I can do that myself a long time ago. Can you please let me finish explaining, Dad!"

Rose pouted in dissatisfaction, clenching her fists, which made Son Wuling quickly nod, abandoning his usual playful demeanor, and say seriously, "I'm sorry, Rose."

After glancing at Kibito and Xin, Rose replied, "During the elimination rounds, I encountered two rather strange contestants. The staff called out their names as Spopovich and Yamu. They had an 'M' symbol on their foreheads, and their aura was also rather eerie!"

Son Wuling was taken aback, and couldn't help but think to himself, "How come my daughter keeps running into everyone? Is this on purpose?"

Just as Son Goku was about to say something, he heard the announcement of the top eight contestants entering the arena, along with the enthusiastic cheers of the audience.

"Let's go!"

Son Wuling glanced at Kibito and Shin before they left the lounge and, guided by the staff, went to the arena.

As Son Wuling and the other eight stood on the arena, more than 20,000 spectators erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

"Son Wuling..."

"Son Goku, I love you..."

"Goku, Wuling! Goku, Wuling! Goku, Wuling..."

The entire audience cheered for Son Goku Son Wuling! The excited shouts resounded throughout the stadium.

Son Goku scratched his head, startled, and exclaimed, "Wow, they're so enthusiastic!"

"Snort..."

Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest and snorted in dissatisfaction.

Rose and Son Gohan watched the exaggerated scene unfold. A female fan holding a banner with Son Goku excitedly rushed over from the audience, but was stopped by security.

The two said in unison, "No wonder Mom didn't want Dad to go to the city!"

In the VIP section, Number 18, Chi-Chi was watching Son Wuling and Son Goku on the stage with great jealousy; you could smell her intense jealousy from afar.

The sheer aura emanating from the two caused Master Roshi, Oolong, Bulma, Yamcha, and the others to quickly distance themselves, while Son Goten was nearly scared to tears.

Chi-Chi chuckled softly, but it sent a chill down one's spine. She said, "Hey! Number 18, do you think their sudden desire to participate in the World Martial Arts Tournament is intentional?"

Number 18 replied, "I think so, sister-in-law. Do you think they think we're too old and want to find some young and pretty girls?"

Chi-Chi said, "I don't know, but do you think it's possible given their personalities?"

Number 18 replied, "Absolutely impossible! Not everyone is Yamcha!"

"Oh my god..."

Yamcha, upon hearing Number 18's words, was speechless. What did it have to do with him? He wasn't married either. Although he had his share of affairs, it was all consensual!

The high spirits gradually dissipated, and after the audience returned to calm, the random draw began!

Group 1: Son Rose vs. Kibito!

Group Two: Son Wuling vs. Xin!

Group 3: Son Gohan vs. Broly!

Group 4: Son Goku vs. Vegeta!

After leaving the arena to Rose and Kibito, Son Wuling and the other six stepped off the stage, and the first round of the quarterfinals' advancement competition was about to begin.